How is the date of Chinese New Year determined?
Quick Answer: Chinese New Year is set by the lunar calendar. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually between January 21 and February 20. This date marks the start of the new lunar year.
The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, meaning it tracks both the moon phases and the solar year. The new year always begins on a new moon, which is why the date changes each year.
Specifically, the festival starts on the new moon closest to the beginning of spring, which occurs after the winter solstice in late December. This timing links the holiday to natural cycles and seasonal changes.